Everlasting (ch14)2

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY HIGHER-PLEDGING PATRONS! THANK YOU!

We're gradually winding down to the final arc of the series/story! Thanks for everyone who has stuck with reading this fic~ A lot of this chapter is transcribing dialogue from the show and it's overall a very slow chapter. But I promise the last few after this will be worth it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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														Chapter 14. Revelation

That's when things around Luna Nova started to become... odd.

All of the students were well-aware of the international riots happening, even in Appleton and Brightonberry.

As such, the professors make it clear that none of them are permitted to go into town alone. And they are only allowed to go for essentials such as food and supply shopping, but should avoid going for recreational purposes until things have quieted down.

In addition to that, some abnormalities with local communications towers resulted in all calls and emails being barred or otherwise ineffective.

Diana is surprised to receive a hand-written letter from her cousin Andrew one day, requesting she contact Akko so he may return her lost hat.

Diana writes a simple affirmative response and agrees to send Akko to town, though with the new restrictions in place, she plans to accompany her if possible.

But Diana has much swifter methods than sending letters through the mail, and calls upon one of her familiars for the task. She opens the window from her room and sends the well-groomed barn owl off from her wrist, then leaves her suite and sets a pace for Akko's room.

Upon knocking, Lotte answers. "Coming!" The door is pulled open inward. Lotte looks her over curiously. "Diana?"

The white-haired witch dips her head.

"Good day. Is Akko available?" She's vaguely aware of some muttered comment from Sucy, but pays her no heed. After Lotte's finished scolding her teammate, she turns back to Diana.

"Akko just left to go see Professor Ursula."

"Professor Ursula?" Diana is hardly surprised to hear that's where Akko is if not in her room. She and Professor Ursula have become extremely close over the past few weeks. It fills Diana with a sense of ease in knowing Akko is well looked-after when Diana herself can't be there for her.

Diana thanks them and turns to leave. However Lotte decides to come and bring Sucy along as well, saying she needs to go to town for some shopping, therefore she can bring Akko.

And while Diana would have liked to bring Akko herself, she knows this is for the better. Lotte and Sucy taking her would raise no suspicions, and having two people there to look out for her was better than having only one.

The three of them make their way outside, then head for the tower where Professor Ursula has her quarters. When they reach the door, Lotte steps up to knock.

"Excuse me? Is Akko here?"

From inside, Diana can hear her girlfriend's surprised voice.

"Lotte?"

As they push through, Diana enters, earning another shocked response from Akko.

"Eh? Diana, too?"

Diana maintains her neutral expression and tone.

"I have a message from Andrew. He will be waiting for you at High Street today."

"Huh? He said that? Today?"

"He's got something to give you," Sucy says.

"Really? But today... What time?"

"At three-"

"Three?" Professor Ursula cuts off Lotte's answer as all eyes go to the clock.

"That's cutting it close," Sucy mutters.

Akko all but jumps up from her seat.

"Uwah, Professor-!"

"Go ahead. We can continue our conversation after you get back."

"Thanks, Professor! I'll be right back!" Akko hurries to the door, brushing right past Diana as she does so. With all these other people around, the best she can do is spare her a quick glance and flash a tiny smile before turning back to her teammates. "Sorry Lotte, but could you give me a ride?"

"Sure, let's hurry. Excuse us!"

Diana watches as the three of them shuffle out and close the door behind them. Knowing Akko has a way to get to town now, Diana stays behind. There is something else she's been wanting to address, after all.

With Professor Ursula.

She stays where she is, waiting for her professor to take note of her presence. When she finally does, the older witch speaks in her usual timid tone.

"I-It's unusual for you to come here..."

"There is something I would like you ask you."

"Eh? You have a question for me? H-Hopefully I'll be able to answer it for you..." She plasters on a grin, laughing nervously. But Diana has no time left for facades.

"Are you aware of the recent concentration of magic energy, surpassing even the output of the Sorcerer's Stone?"

Just that much gets Professor Ursula to drop her act. Diana persists.

"After looking into it extensively, events relating to that matter began after Professor Croix installed her SSS in Luna Nova." Now it's time to cut to the heart of the matter. Diana keeps her tone a perfect mixture of gentle and firm as she does so. "I believe you were old friends with Professor Croix, so I had hoped you might know something about this."

Professor Ursula is avoiding eye contact with her, clearly consternated about having some of her secrets revealed. Diana feels a little guilty for prying, but considering what could be at stake, it needs to be addressed.

But all of a sudden, Professor Ursula stands from her desk, startling Diana back a pace.

"I'm sorry! Something just came up!" She hurries across the room to where her broom is leaning up against the wall and reaches for it-

-then stops.

Diana watches, a little hesitant now.

"Professor...?"

"W-We'll finish this later!" Ursula promptly abandons her broom, grabs her hat, and continues on-foot.

"Professor!" Diana calls after her, but she doesn't turn or look back.

Diana watches her go until she's vanished in a matter of seconds. She'd come here with multiple intentions – not only to check on Akko and relay her message, but also to inquire about Professor Ursula's relationship with Professor Croix and the current overflow of magic energy output.

But now, a prickle of concern invades Diana's bloodstream as her gaze travels back to her professor's untouched broom.

"It cannot be... Was she affected by Wagandea's pollen?"

It's the only plausible explanation in Diana's mind. Things just seem to be getting more and more unsettling. She doesn't like this.

Turning sharply, Diana leaves Professor Ursula's quarters and makes her way back to her own room. Hannah and Barbara greet her upon her return, but all Diana gives is a nod. She's far too distracted with thoughts of Akko. Her stomach feels as though it's going to cave in on itself.

/Something is not right.../

She's researched the influx of magical energy herself. She knows it's linked to Professor Croix's SSS. Diana might be the only person on campus who even has an inkling of something much bigger going on here.

It's all made her so uneasy over the past few weeks. But now more than ever.

She has half a mind to grab her broom and go into town herself. But rationally, she knows she has no real reason other than a gut feeling to act upon. She trusts her cousin can look out for Akko for a few minutes. And with Professor Ursula now presumably going as well, in addition to Lotte and Sucy being there...

Diana draws in a deep breath to steady herself.

/Akko will be fine./

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For the remainder of the day, Diana goes about her usual tasks and duties, all the while biting back the urge to be ill.

She doesn't know why, but she's feeling more and more upset by the hour.

By the time the sun has set, it's by the minute.

Hannah and Barbara excuse themselves to visit Avery, and Diana is left alone in their room. She reads to calm her mind as best she can, telling herself everything is all right.

/Professor Ursula is capable of... handling whatever it is she needs to handle. Lotte and Sucy brought Akko to town. They've probably already brought her back as well.../

She just can't stop thinking about Professor Croix, and whatever it is she has planned. Diana knows she's up to something. That much she's confirmed through her personal research and observations. But what that could be-

A small yet audible knock sounds on the door, causing Diana to return to reality. She abandons her desk and makes her way to the main area. She opens the door.

"Yes?"

But it isn't her teammates, nor is it housekeeping. Of all the people to be standing before her, it's Lotte and Sucy.

They're alone.

And the panic on Lotte's face confirms Diana's justified in her unease long before the other girl speaks.

"Diana! You've gotta help us!" she cries.

Maintaining her composure, Diana makes her way to the door.

"Lotte? What has happened?"

The blonde girl clutches her hands to her chest, tightening her grip until her knuckles turn white.

"Akko... Akko disappeared!"

Diana feels as though she's been struck in the head. A brief wave of nausea rises up from the pit of her stomach, but she doesn't let it show. Not in front of these two. If she lets it be known she's worried too, it will only heighten their distress.

But try as she may to keep the worry out of her expression, she can't keep it out of her voice.

"Akko... disappeared...?"

Lotte frantically continues.

"There was a bit of a commotion in town and then we got separated. Still, she's way too late!"

Diana narrows her eyes a bit.

"A commotion you say..."

It all but confirms her fears about Croix. She knows it has to be her. And she had always taken somewhat of a 'liking' to Akko. She had told Akko Wagandea's pollen was harmless, and yet the petals had opened on her anyway.

The realization creeps into Diana's mind like poison.

/Professor Croix... is trying to hurt Akko... but why?/

Diana has most of the pieces to this puzzle, but not all of them.

In any case, she can't focus on that right now. Lotte and Sucy are still standing before her, as sick with worry for their teammate as Diana is. Lotte swallows and continues.

"We spent a lot of time looking for her after that..."

"Then we checked whether she'd already come back, but she's not here either."

"...What should we do?" Lotte's voice is beginning to fracture. "Do you think something happened to her?"

Diana knows that fretting like this won't do any of them – or Akko – any good. She pushes down her own unease and reaches out, resting a gentle hand on Lotte's shoulder. Diana offers her a heartfelt smile and a steady voice.

"Calm down. Could you please tell me what happened in more detail? Please, come in."

Diana holds the door for them both and guides them into the common area of the suite, offering them seats on the couches. She makes quick work of preparing tea, not only because it is the polite thing to do as their host, but also too because it will help settle their nerves.

Once Diana herself has taken her seat, Lotte and Sucy begin to take turns talking, explaining exactly how and where they'd lost track of Akko.

As they talk, Diana only takes a sip of her own tea, but leaves it untouched after that. She's so on-edge that not even her favorite drink can calm her stomach.

After about ten minutes of their recounting, they have nothing left to say. Diana looks to each of them slowly.

"I understand. Our first course of action should be informing Professor Ursula."

Lotte clutches at the ends of her skirt.

"Yeah, probably... I'll go tell her now."

But Diana knows it would only make Lotte even more upset than she already is. She needs everyone to be as level-headed as possible in this matter. And besides, Diana still has something she needs to discuss with Professor Ursula. Therefore, she tactfully and politely offers an alternative.

"Allow me to go. Akko may come back at any time. Please wait for her in your room."

Diana stands, and it's a miracle she doesn't stagger with how upset her stomach is. Not only does standing allow her to put on an air of confidence in front of Lotte and Sucy, but it helps Diana herself think she is more assured than she truly feels.

At the very least, she's able to convince the others, if not herself.

"Okay," Lotte murmurs. "Thanks, Diana."

The two of them stand as well, and Diana is about to lead them out of the room when she notices Lotte staring at the window. Diana follows her gaze. It's begun to snow.

"Time is of the essence," Diana says. "I will get back to you both as soon as I can."

"Thank you." With this, Lotte and Sucy begin down the hallway.

Diana follows them out and closes the door behind herself. There's still a tightness in her chest, but it's been nullified for now. At least it isn't getting any worse.

Diana sets a brisk pace for Professor Ursula's quarters, but her mind begins to wander.

/Akko... what happened? Where are you...? Please be all right.../

By the time she makes it to Professor Ursula's door, a thin layer of snow has started to cover the ground. Diana knocks and introduces herself right away.

"This is Diana. I have an urgent message regarding Akko." Though she's worried enough about her girlfriend to barge right in, she can't allow herself to do that. So she waits until she's answered by a very timid Professor Ursula.

"Can I help you?" There's a glare over her glasses, preventing Diana from seeing her eyes directly.

"Akko has yet to return from her trip into town."

Her professor lets out a soft gasp, and when Diana can finally see her eyes, they are wide with shock. Diana persists.

"Do you happen to know anything about that? Did you not meet Akko in the city?"

Silence. And then-

"I'm sorry..."

Diana stiffens.

"Why are you apologizing?"

The implications alone are enough to cause more concern. But she can't allow herself to get flustered.

Not until she's addressed something else. Not until she's confirmed it...

She continues.

"While we are at it, may we continue our conversation from this afternoon?" She looks sternly up into her professor's face to demonstrate how serious she is about these matters.

But Ursula avoids eye contact, her excuses feeble.

"I'm a little tied up with other things right now."

But Diana isn't backing down. Not when she's come this far. Not when Akko could be in danger.

"Then I will get right to the point. There are no records of a student by the name Ursula Callistis attending this school."

She hears the shock in Ursula's gasp just as plainly as she can see it on her face. Diana finally reveals the fruits of her research, and the theory she's been building for quite some time now behind closed doors. She speaks now with complete conviction.

"Your real name is Chariot du Nord. You are Shiny Chariot, correct?"

She watches closely for a reaction.

Ursula – no – Chariot is silent only for a moment before she realizes it's pointless to lie about this any longer, especially to Diana. So she tells the truth.

"Yes, that's right."

Diana maintains her gaze.

"You ran into Akko earlier, did you not?"

But despite all she's done to stay composed until now, Diana is beginning to lose herself to her worry. When Chariot responds with more silence, Diana can't hold herself back any longer. Her hands ball into fists, and her voice rises several notches in its urgency.

"Please tell me what happened!"

Chariot closes her eyes. Perhaps she's finally tired of running and hiding.

"Very well."

With a wave of her hand she invites Diana in. Tensely, Diana sits near her desk – in the very same seat she'd last seen Akko occupying.

Chariot leaves out nothing. Nothing at all.

Diana listens more intently now than she's ever listened to any lecture, any speech. As Chariot reveals the truth, everything falls into place in Diana's mind that wasn't already there. The puzzle is almost complete now.

Chariot recounts everything in great detail, and all the while Diana listens. However, there is one thing she cannot possibly stay silent about upon hearing.

"Those who saw your show became unable to use magic...?"

Chariot does not raise her eyes.

"...I hurt Akko."

Diana's heart all but stops beating as the memories flash before her eyes.

She can still remember what it felt like to be without magic, living with that awful sensation that a piece of her very soul was missing. The pain it had caused her. The loss...

But Diana shakes herself off. It is not herself she should be concerned about now.

"And you didn't chase after her?" A bit of anger leaks into her voice, a bit of accusation. "Are you saying you left her alone in that condition and returned by yourself?"

More silence. Guilty silence.

Diana's heart is in her throat. With what she knows now, Akko must be found as soon as possible.

"Professor Ursula!"

Her desperate prompt elicits only a deadened response.

"I... I can no longer be of help to Akko."

And this is it. Diana cannot possibly restrain herself any longer. She jumps up from her seat, fingers curling tightly, her voice all but cracking with a mixture of anger and concern.

"What are you saying?! Now is the time she most needs you by her side!"

And although Diana has completely lost her composure, Chariot remains irksomely quiet.

"I'm sorry, but there's something else I must be doing."

Diana can't help but be furious, but it's based on her concern for Akko more than disdain for their childhood idol.

In this moment, Diana relinquishes all she's ever worked for in a reputation. Outraged and terrified, she shouts at her professor.

"How can anything possibly be more important than worrying about Akko right now?!"

But she can tell now. She can tell Chariot has no intention to help look for Akko. As such, Diana has no intention of staying here to waste anymore precious time.

"I understand. That is enough. We will find Akko."

Disgusted, distraught, and ridden with worry, Diana turns her back on Chariot and stalks toward the door. But there is one last thing she needs to make clear before she leaves.

"I am more disappointed in what you did today than all you've done in the past."

It's only the truth. Despite the immense heartbreak and misery the loss of her magics had caused Diana as a child, she is willing to forgive that.

But not this.

Not Chariot's utter lack of concern for Akko's wellbeing in her most dire time of need.

To Diana, that is unforgivable.

She may not be aware of Chariot's intentions and what she has yet to do that is so important. But Diana can't be bothered with considering it anymore.

Briskly, she struts to the exit and out into the snow. The moon is high and bright, causing the snow to reflect even whiter. The temperature has already dropped significantly since she'd gotten here.

/Akko has been alone in this... for hours.../

Diana can't afford to walk anymore. She hurries across the open space between the building where Chariot has her quarters and Luna Nova's main building.

She runs all the way back up to Akko's dorm room, but only then does she slow her pace and catch her breath. She can't allow the others to see her so perturbed. Diana is the pillar of this group, and if she crumbles, the others won't be able to stand.

Therefore, despite the ache in her chest, she puts on a brave face and enters.

Amanda's team has joined Lotte and Sucy in their quarters, and all five girls now look up as Diana enters. Diana acknowledges the taller girl with a nod.

"Akko still hasn't come back?" Amanda asks.

"Yes," Diana replies. "She may still be somewhere out in town."

Lotte looks up, her voice still shaking.

"Did you learn anything new?"

Diana hesitates. She isn't certain of how much she should be revealing right now. But she wants to keep this brief so they can begin searching for Akko as quickly as possible.

Therefore, she only relays the most relevant of information, short of revealing Chariot's true identity. The others listen with a mix of dismay, shock, and frustration.

"That can't be..." Lotte whimpers.

"You're kidding," Amanda growls. "It's really Chariot's fault that Akko can't fly?"

"There's no chance Akko could've imagined that," Sucy mumbles.

"You don't think she's not planning to come back..."

"Of course not!" This time, it's Lotte who raises her voice, taking Amanda aback. "Akko would never leave over something like that..."

"Y-You're right..." Amanda lowers her head. "Sorry. I didn't mean it."

Of the five of the others, Sucy seems to be the most composed.

"But how does Professor Ursula know all that?"

Diana meets her peculiar one-eyed gaze, and something tells her Sucy already has an inkling. But now is not the time to reveal that secret.

"I will tell you in due time," Diana says. "The most important thing now is to find Akko."

"We're going too!"

"Me too!"

As everyone confirms their involvement, they begin planning who will search where.

Diana offers to begin from the main Leyline into town. After that, she leaves along with Amanda's team.

Everyone retreats to their rooms to prepare themselves for the night ahead. They all fully intend to break the new rule about splitting up and wandering around town by themselves. They have to.

When Diana reaches her room, she finds it empty. She retrieves her shawl and pulls it on as quickly as she can, then fetches her broom from its spot against the wall.

She then looks up at her bookshelf, to the space she'd cleared after Akko had brought her back to Luna Nova. Anna had insisted Diana take her most treasured possession with her, to remind her of her dream.

Now that Diana wakes every morning at Luna Nova with that white box in her sight, she is constantly reminded of her childhood aspirations, and thus motivated to try her hardest every day.

Now, she takes that box from the shelf and opens it. Her most precious treasure stares back at her in all its colorful, nostalgic glory.

But now, Diana has something even more precious to her. And she needs to find her before it's too late.

Slipping her premium card into the inner pocket of her shawl, Diana once again takes her broom and hurries to the door.

A/N: I know this was essentially just a rewrite of the episode (but isn't this entire fic just a gay rewrite of the show? Yes). But here I focused on Diana's reactions more, her feelings. The show barely let us see her reaction to Chariot's revelation that she stole Diana's magic as a child. Because Diana was forcing herself to be strong and focus on Akko, not pity herself.

Next chapter is obviously the search for Akko, which I promise is gayer than the canon.